Investigate
First we needed to understand what the need and purpose is for a bug hotel. Our first enquiry was ‘What are bugs/insects and why do we need them?’. We then looked at a variety of insects and why they are important for nature. We discussed how without them nothing would be able to survive (even if the children did not like them!).
We then focussed on ‘What is a bug hotel?’. From the design brief the children were excited but were still not sure what one might look like. We looked at lots of different bug hotels that were all manmade and freestanding (stands up by themselves). We thought carefully over the following questions: How the parts have been joined together? What materials have been used? and why have those been chosen? We then drew two of the structures we explored and labelled it.
Focussed Practical Task
The children loved exploring how to build a variety of freestanding structures using different materials.
They made the base bigger! This made the structure stronger.
This was not a strong freestanding structure. I asked the children how could you make it sturdier?
We folded paper in different ways so it would stand up.
We used tape to build joins.
We practically explored putting straws/hay into a plastic bottle.
We practised using a hammer and nails.
Design
The children could not wait to become designers. Before we could start designing we went on a walk around the school grounds to source natural resources. We had already collected manmade resources such as yogurt pots, milk bottles etc. Once the children knew what to use they worked in small groups to design their bug hotels sharing ideas on what materials would be best/ the purpose of each section. Finally, the children picked their favourite design and explained why.
Make
The children had so much fun putting their knowledge from the focussed practical task into action.
Using a variety of materials.
Using a hammer and nails (supervised by an adult).
The final outcome.
Evaluate
Finally the children evaluated the end product thinking about what they liked, disliked and whether they stuck to their design brief.
